Lotto's Powerball jackpots and rolls over to must-go $44m

Saturday, 5 November 2016

Richmond Night & Day store owner David Smolenski was hoping to celebrate the sale of another winning Lotto ticket from his store.

Lotto's Powerball has rolled over to a record-$44 million and must be won on Wednesday, after the $38 million was not struck on Saturday night.

Lotto NZ's chief executive Wayne Pickup said the Powerball jackpot has never been bigger – and it must be won next week.

Lotto tickets being sold at the Hamilton Mill Street Pak n Save.

'With a 'Must Be Won' draw, we know that there is definitely going to be one or more winners this Wednesday and with a jackpot this size, the win is going to be life changing.'

He said in a 'Must Be Won' draw, if no single ticket wins Powerball First Division the prize pool rolls down to the next highest Division with winners.

Rhonda Pyatt at the Black Cat Store in Nelson.

In July, three players from Hamilton, Te Awamutu and Dunedin shared a 'Must Be Won' Powerball jackpot of $40 million, taking home $13.3 million each.

As for Saturday night's draw, two Lotto players from New Plymouth and Nelson will be celebrating tonight after winning $500,000 each with Lotto First Division.

The winning tickets were sold at Westown Lotto in New Plymouth and Whitcoulls Nelson in Nelson.

One lucky Strike player will also have reason to celebrate after winning $500,000 with Strike Four. The winning ticket was sold at Lotto 'N' Things in Oamaru.

Pickup said anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above locations should write their name on the back of the ticket and check it immediately at any Lotto outlet, online at mylotto.co.nz or through the Lotto NZ ticket-checker app.